Bernalillo firefighters could soon get new protective gear and breathing equipment under a $1.6 million state grant program targeting 30 fire departments across New Mexico, the Department of Finance and Administration announced.
The grants fund high-priority equipment for new hires — including self-contained breathing apparatuses, turnout coats and pants, helmets, face shields and safety goggles. DFA funded 190 new firefighter and EMS positions statewide in 2024 through its public safety workforce-building initiative.
Bernalillo Fire Chief AJ Bonnett told the Sandoval Signpost the department has applied for a reimbursement grant under the program and is awaiting an award letter. “We do depend on some of those resources to provide adequate fire protection to our community,” Bonnett said…